Recommend a card for use in America?

Ali660

Hi, we are off to Florida later this year - we've never had a credit card but think this might be the best thing to use whilst there and pay off when we come back.

What do you think and has anyone got any recommendations?

Many thanks,
Ali

Biggles

There's a new thread nearly every week asking this question, but the answer's still the same. Have a look here http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/cheaper-spending-overseas#best

Ali660

Thanks for the link - I had already read this and also searched back through the threads for any relevant info.

I was hoping for personal feedback on either of these products or indeed any others that are favoured by MSE users.

Ali;)

Biggles

I can't add much to what's already been posted.

There are few credit cards that are free worldwide, and even fewer debit cards. Nearly all the rest charge a minimum of 2.65% purely to change your money to GBP.

The best way is to open a Nationwide Flexaccount and use that for drawing cash, and use a Nationwide or Post Office credit card for payments.

skyrider007

The i24 card does not charge foreign transaction commission fee.

http://www.i24card.co.uk/i24/data/card/index.html

Nomad25

Personal experience from 2 years ago: remembered at last minute to take Nationwide card on trip to USA. Went sick in Florida and used it to pay £700. of medical fees, thank god I had also [at last minute] taken out a cheap travel insurance policy. Fortunately no charges or probs with either. I have a NW flexaccount BTW.

YorkshireBoy

skyrider007 wrote: »

The i24 card does not charge foreign transaction commission fee.

http://www.i24card.co.uk/i24/data/card/index.html

As long as you earn at least £50K per annum, and don't mind parting with the £275 annual fee, it seems like an excellent card for overseas use.

skyrider007

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

As long as you earn at least £50K per annum, and don't mind parting with the £275 annual fee, it seems like an excellent card for overseas use.

I agree. I think it's even better than AMEX Plat charge since it's more widely accepted.

Ali660

Thanks for your replies - so far so good except earnings are not in excess of £50K so won't be going for that one!!:rotfl: